“Rest. You are home now, dear.” Mariel hugged her, and she and Adele left.
“Why do you look so spry?” Evangeline asked Molly. “I am barely able to keep my eyes open.”
“I slept most of the time,” Molly replied with a grin. “I’m so excited to be here. My mother’s family lives nearby.”
No sooner than she climbed into bed did Evangeline fall into a deep slumber. Not even her husband joining her roused her from the depths of sleep.
Chapter Seventeen
Even after a full night’s sleep, Evangeline woke with a stiff back and aching shoulders. When she stretched, it felt so good that she smiled. Then upon sensing someone watching, she turned to find Camren in bed with her.
“What are you doing here? Your mother will find out,” she hissed at him, immediately looking around as if expecting someone to walk in any minute and finding them.
“Shhh,” Camren said, pulling her against him. “If we’re very quiet, no one will know I’m here.” His warm lips pressed against the sensitive spot just beneath her jaw and of their own volition, her eyes closed.
One of his hands was already inching up her thigh to pull her against his arousal. He was more than ready, and she couldn’t help the shivers of anticipation.
“We really… shouldn’t,” she protested weakly. “Someone will… oh.” He prodded at her entrance, sending a lightning bolt of heat to her very core.
When she attempted to speak again, Camren covered her mouth with his and thrust his tongue in.
Evangeline threw one leg over his hip to allow him easier entrance. He drove in smoothly and she let out a loud moan. The kiss grew intense, his mouth suckling her tongue and then inviting her to do the same.
He pushed in and pulled out in a smooth, concise rhythm that she’d learned to associate with him. Camren didn’t hurry when making love. He took time to ensure she was completely sated before allowing himself release.
“Yes,” Evangeline whispered, wrapping her arms around him and matching his movements. He trembled with restraint, which she found so very erotic.
He pulled out and placed his lips to her ear. “Turn around.” When she did, he positioned her so that her bottom was even with his sex and he entered her while his fingers played between her legs.
“Ahhh!” Evangeline caught herself and pushed her face against the pillow so she could muffle her cries of release.
Every inch of her body stiffened with anticipation of what was to come and, seconds later, she floated from invisible heights.
Camren continued to drive in and out of her, nearing his peak. Evangeline tried to move, but her body was limp, and her muscles refused to comply. And so, instead, she mewled into the bed coverings as her husband continued moving.
When he found release, Evangeline had managed to once again shatter a second time.
Camren pulled her against him, her back to his chest and bit down on her throat, marking her as his, the act so primal that she dissolved in want. “Please…”
“Hold still, love.” He pleasured her with his talented fingers, not stopping until she came with so much force that stars formed behind her eyes. Evangeline finally went limp, unable to fathom how it was possible for him to know her body so well.
Moments later, she turned in his arms. “You should leave. Someone will come. Probably heard us.”
Camren chuckled. “The idea of being found out thrilled you, didn’t it? Three times, Evangeline, really?” His teasing made her blush.
“Stop it and go now.”
“Not until you admit it’s true. You are a thrill seeker.”
“Very well, perhaps it helped, but I find you extraordinarily attractive and that alone creates great love-making.” She shoved at him, but he didn’t budge. “Camren, you have to sneak out.”
Finally, after she pushed him again, he slid from the bed and stretched. “I need to find something to wear.” He walked to the wardrobe.
“Is this your room?” Evangeline sat up and gawked at him. “Why am I in your room?”
He grinned at her. “My family knows we are here together.”
His chuckles washed over her as she fell back into the bed. Evangeline couldn’t help but laugh as well. “You tricked me.”
When they descended the stairs, Evangeline was shocked to see how many people had gathered in the great room. Almost every seat was filled with people who stopped midsentence or midbite to watch them walk in.
Her stomach dipped at so many strangers at once. She swallowed when she took a step which would make her limp noticeable.
Camren must have felt her tense because he squeezed her hand. Then at once, the people gathered called out something in Gaelic that was followed by a response. It was repeated several times.
“What are they saying?” Evangeline asked.
“A congratulations of sorts,” Camren replied and held both hands up to quiet the crowd.
“I will speak in English so my betrothed will understand,” he started and looked to her. “Much appreciation for welcoming me back. Thankfully, I returned upright.”
There was laughter at his comment. Once again, those gathered quieted. “I present Evangeline Prescott, soon to be called Lady Maclean.” He motioned to her and there were sounds of appreciation. Some sounded a bit raunchy and were followed by laughter.
Camren leaned to her. “I am afraid Scots can be a bit uncivilized at times. But they mean well.”
“It’s refreshing,” Evangeline replied, meaning it. She bowed her head to the crowd. “Thank you, I think.”
There was more laughter. Her heart swelled at seeing the respect and gladness the people had toward her husband. In that instant, she understood why he owed them a wedding.
They did not sit at the high board, but went to the same table she’d eaten at the night before. A young girl rushed to her with a fistful of limp flowers and Evangeline reached to get them. She gave the girl a hug and was repaid with a wide grin.
Before she could sit, several other young girls followed suit, hoping to get a hug. Evangeline was falling in love with the children before breakfast.
Once seated, Adele gave her a warm smile. “They are astonished at your beauty. Your hair is so bright, everyone is remarking on it.”
“I will have to learn Gaelic. I am afraid it is not a language I studied. But I am a quick learner and hope to pick it up.”
Camren’s mother nodded. “It will be best that you do. However, right now, we must focus on the wedding. It is most important, especially given my son refuses to be away from you.”
When the others at the table chuckled, Evangeline could feel her face heat up. “I would be grateful. I brought a gown and veil, as well.”
“I can’t wait to see them,” Adele exclaimed.
There was a hush and every eye turned to the doorway. A beautiful brunette stood in the center with fists on her hips, her extended belly protruding as she fired a glare toward the table where the family sat. “I’m hungry,” she snapped and waddled to the table.
“Of course, you are, dear,” Camren’s mother and sister hurried to the woman and helped her to sit.
The brunette’s eyes snapped to Evangeline. “You must be the beautiful Sassenach. I’m Sencha, that brute’s wife.” She pointed at Ian who looked to his mother as if not sure what he should do.
“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Ian finally asked.
“If she can walk, then no. It will help the babe come faster for her to be about,” Mariel replied. “Once you eat, we will walk in the garden.”
Sencha smiled widely at her mother-in-law. “That sounds delightful.”
“It is very nice to meet you,” Evangeline finally said. “I would like to join you for a walk. I love gardens. I hope to bring my cat out there.”
“A cat?” Sencha asked, her brown eyes rounding. “You brought at cat from England?”
“Yes,” Evangeline replied, not sure why it was so strange. “My cat is quite dear to me.”
“I will also join you,” Adele said. “The men will go about their things and we shall walk and entertain Sencha.”
“No. No,” Sencha said, motioning to Evangeline. “We have a wedding to plan. Ian says it must be done with haste.” Her gaze moved toward Evangeline’s flat stomach.
Once again, she blushed. But this time, she pushed embarrassment away. The Scottish were definitely very different from the English.
The garden was a delightful mixture of flowers, short bushes and vegetables. There were fruit trees that Evangeline had never seen and an enormous food garden near the kitchens.
Evangeline stopped and looked up at a tree. “What sort of fruit is this?”
Mariel joined her. “This is a plum tree. We have many. Also, there are a few pears, as well. Did you have a garden back at home?”
“I lived in the center of London, but we still had a lavish garden. Not as large as this, but it is beautiful. Mother planted mostly flowers, but our cook and housekeeper, Martha, has a small patch where she plants vegetables. We did have a pair of pear trees.”
“I cannot wait for the fruit to ripen so we can make tarts,” Mariel said, looking up at the fruit. “Soon.”
They continued walking, the women pointing out areas informing Evangeline of what was housed where. They walked just outside the gates which gave them a clear view of the surrounding lands. On a hill to the left, another manor stood. Evangeline was informed it belonged to a relative, an uncle of Camren’s who was part of Clan Maclean. Directly forward, a winding road led to a village. People mingled about what looked to be a square. To the right of the village was a large field and further from there sat a farm. Sheep grazed on hills that grew lush, green grasses.
“This is certainly very different from London,” Evangeline said almost to herself. “I cannot possibly describe the beauty in the letters I will write my mother and friend.”
“I felt the same way upon arriving,” Mariel said. “Although I am Scottish, I grew up in the Lowlands, near Edinburgh, which is closer to what I imagine London is.”
Adele pointed past the other keep. “There is a second village a bit farther. It is smaller than the one down there.”
They returned to the house. Evangeline searched for a put-out Lucille. Although the cat seemed quite at home next to the hearth, it refused to look at her.
After spending a few moments with her cat, Evangeline joined the women in a sitting room on the second level of the keep and spent several hours planning the wedding.
She’d hoped to take time to write letters, but time passed quickly, and she could barely stay awake through the long feasting that evening.
“Go to bed. I will follow you in a few moments. I have to speak to my brother for a few moments,” Camren told her. Standing and holding out his hand, he walked her to the bottom of the stairs.
Camren entered what used to be his father’s study. His brother, Ian, and Gideon joined him. Ian poured whisky into three glasses and they each took one.
“Gideon told me what happened,” Ian said. “I am sure the message has reached Cowan.”
Camren took a long draw. “I dislike resorting to violence, but they brought us to it.”
“We acquired good business partners in England. However, with the agreements being so new, expectations must be met or else we can lose them,” Gideon said.
The men were deep in thought for a moment until Ian gave Camren a long look. “You are getting married. Have you spoken to Madeline yet?”
He shook his head. “No, she was most put out yesterday. I didn’t have time today. I will speak with her. I do not wish her to do something rash.”
“A woman scorned is dangerous,” Gideon remarked.
Ian shrugged. “It may also be prudent that you tell Evangeline about your relationship. Although by the way the two were glaring at each other upon your arrival, I would guess she suspects.”
“It is a first. Usually it is me who has such entanglements.” Gideon laughed and poured a second whisky.
Camren held out his glass for more, as well. “Speaking of which, I am told Rose plans to travel here. Do you plan to court her? If so, perhaps you should start cutting ties with Irene… and Merida.”
“You may also wish to inform Glenda, the butcher’s daughter. She is quite handy with the carving knife,” Ian added.
Gideon sank into a chair. “I do have to ensure to clear things up before Rose arrives.” His face brightened. “Or perhaps I’ll wait and see. It could be each farewell could take a wee bit of time.”
“In other words, you will be running for your life, my friend,” Camren said. “I look forward to being entertained.”
“Then you are not serious about this woman, Rose?” Ian asked, giving Gideon a pointed look.
Gideon flushed and looked into his glass. “If I am, there is not much I can do. She lives in England and I live here in Scotland. We didn’t have time to get to know each other well. She did make me promise to return.”
“You’re in love,” Ian said matter-of-factly. “Interesting.”
An hour later, a bit unsteady after too many whiskies, Camren headed to seek his bed.
“We should talk.” Madeline appeared from the shadows. “Is it true? You are to marry her? An Englishwoman?” Disdain dripped from each word. “What about me? Us?”
Camren tried to sober up enough to speak clearly, but he realized it was not the time for the discussion.
“I’ve missed you.” Madeline moved closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Didn’t you think of me?”
“I have to think of you?” He stumbled to make sense. “I had to not think of you.”
She brought him down for a kiss and the moment their lips touched, he pushed away. “No. I can’t. You aren’t my wife.”
“Wife? You are not married yet,” Madeline hissed. “We can still enjoy each other. Just one more night.”
Camren straightened. “I’m late to sleep. We can speak tomorrow.” When he continued toward his bedchamber, Evangeline’s maid stood at the entrance to the kitchen. The young woman curtsied and hurried away.
Chapter Eighteen
When Camren woke, Evangeline looming over him startled him. His eyes widened and then narrowed. “Good morning?”
She knew he’d drank too much the night before and that morning, her maid informed her promptly of a woman coming on to him before he rebuffed her and came to bed. However, it was nice to have a little secret to hold over him and enjoy it for a few moments.
“Who did you kiss last night?”
He scowled. “You. I think.”
“Really?” She pretended to be annoyed. “In your sleep you were mumbling about kissing someone, but the name was not mine.”
It was comical when he tried to sit up. But she did not budge, her hands firmly planted on both sides of his shoulders. The man was strong and could have easily pushed her aside. However, he was intelligent enough to know it wouldn’t be wise.
“If you’re speaking of my encounter with Madeline. She kissed me.”
Evangeline huffed. “Does it matter who kisses whom? It is still a kiss.”
After yawning and a few lip smacks, as if he were relaxed, he lifted up, taking her with him and pulled her against his chest. “I will speak to her today. I never mentioned her to you because there were only physical interactions between me and her.”
Interested, Evangeline peered up at him. “I like the way you handle things.”
“How so?” he scowled.
“You don’t lie or make excuses for what happened. Matter-of-fact is how I would describe it.”
“Would you like to be present when I speak to her?”
“Absolutely,” Evangeline said, pushing away and sliding from the bed. “Molly says you told her I was your wife.”
“The maid missed very little,” he mumbled.
Evangeline pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. “Yes, that’s true, for which I’m glad.”
“I was going
to tell you,” Camren said while pulling on his clothes.
After first meal, Evangeline went to search out Lucille. Just as she walked out to the garden carrying the purring cat, she caught sight of Madeline. The woman saw her as well and visibly bristled.
Evangeline placed Lucille down, the cat trotting to find a place to explore. When she straightened, she pinned Madeline with a look. “Last night will be the last time you approach my husband. Never again. Am I understood?” She maintained direct eye contact until Madeline looked away.
“There must be a reason he is marrying you,” the woman said in a heavy brogue. “He and I have been lovers for months. Never once has he looked at another woman.”
“There is a difference between being lovers and being betrothed. He and I will marry soon, the circumstances do not matter.”
Madeline gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Don’t be too sure he won’t come to my bed once the novelty of an Englishwoman wears off.”
“I would say it’s the other way around. You are who he grew tired of.” Evangeline walked away, hating her limp in that moment. But at the same time, she worried as she’d lost sight of Lucille. She ducked behind bushes and whispered, “Lucille. Come.”
“Madeline,” a man’s voice called out and Evangeline stopped and watched as a husky man approached Madeline.
The woman seemed surprised to see him. “Ronan, what are you doing here?”
By his attire, he was a tradesman of sorts. The well-honed body told Evangeline that his work entailed physical strength. “I came to say goodbye.”
As much as Evangeline didn’t wish to eavesdrop, she didn’t dare leave, as Lucille emerged from a flowering bush and decided to plop down next to the man’s boot.
“Where are you going?” Madeline neared the man, no longer seeming to remember Evangeline’s presence. She placed a hand on the man’s arm. “Tell me where.”
“I am returning to Uist. There is no need to remain here. You’ve made a new life for yourself just like you planned, and it doesn’t include me.”
Evangeline held her breath. Had Madeline moved there with this man Ronan and then taken up with Camren?
The Lyon's Laird: The Lyon's Den Page 13